Bologna striker Santiago Castro is attracting attention from several clubs for a summer transfer, and now Italy coach Luciano Spalletti has also set his sights on him. Spalletti is reportedly eager to convince Castro to play for the Italian national team.
Born in Buenos Aires, Argentina, the 20-year-old recently obtained Italian citizenship, making him eligible to represent Italy. He has not yet played for Argentina’s senior team.
Spalletti Keen to Recruit Castro for Italy Amidst Argentina Call-Up
Castro has scored seven Serie A goals in 27 appearances this season, attracting interest from clubs like Inter. Spalletti hopes Castro will follow in the footsteps of Mateo Retegui, another Argentine-born striker who chose to represent Italy.
Despite Spalletti’s admiration, it’s considered unlikely Castro will choose Italy over Argentina, as he has repeatedly expressed his desire to play for his native country.
Castro remains eligible to switch to Italy, having only played for Argentina at youth level.
However, Argentina coach Lionel Scaloni recently included Castro in the preliminary squad for World Cup qualifiers against Brazil and Uruguay, indicating he is in Argentina’s plans.